BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Corporate Express US Inc., part of the Dutch-based Corporate Express NV (NYSE: CXP), announced today that it will be one of the first companies in North America to pilot a prototype diesel hybrid-electric delivery truck from Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.

Corporate Express' pilot of this innovative vehicle marks the company's first step towards adding Isuzu hybrid-electric vehicles to its US delivery fleet, with the goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and minimizing environmental impact.

"As a pure business-to-business company, our distribution operations are a primary focus as we work to reduce our carbon footprint," said Jay Mutschler, President of Corporate Express US. "We approached Isuzu about a diesel hybrid-electric vehicle last year, and we are extremely pleased that our partnership with them is enhanced with a pilot of this terrific emerging technology here in the US."

The majority of Corporate Express US' trucks are from Isuzu, who has been the Company's long-time trucking partner since 1992.

Makoto Kawahara, President of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, echoed Mr. Mutschler's sentiments. "Isuzu is committed to technologies and programs to address safety, environment and economy, and this partnership reinforces that commitment," said Kawahara. "We will continue to work with Corporate Express and other environmentally conscious companies to meet their needs."

This move is part of Corporate Express' overall plans to reduce environmental impact through goals for facilities, distribution operations, sustainable forestry, environmentally sustainable products and social responsibility. These plans are outlined in the Company's US Sustainability Policy.

Isuzu is working with Enova Systems to retrofit the Isuzu truck prototype with their HybridPower drive system -- a turnkey system that combines an enhanced electric motor and electronic controls to help power the vehicle. Enova Systems is a globally recognized provider of environmentally friendly hybrid drive systems for vehicles that provide significant savings in fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas and noise pollution. There are numerous other Isuzu diesel-electric hybrid programs including a large-scale commercial program in Japan to provide cleaner vehicles in an urban environment.

Corporate Express expects to receive the prototype vehicle in April 2008, in Los Angeles, California.

About Corporate Express

Corporate Express provides customers with a single source of business products and services, so that they can focus their resources, energy and time on their core business. Corporate Express helps organizations to save time and maximize their productivity.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Corporate Express NV generated 2006 annual sales of EUR 6.3 billion. The Company has a widespread global distribution network spanning North America, Europe and Australia, has close to 19,000 employees, and operations in 20 countries. Corporate Express NV is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (Euronext: CXP) and in New York (NYSE: CXP). For more information, please visit http://www.CorporateExpress.com. A copy of the Company's US Sustainability Policy can be found at http://www.CorporateExpress.com/sustainability.html.

About Isuzu Commercial Truck of America

Isuzu trucks are one of the largest selling medium duty trucks in the world and have been America's number one selling low cab forward truck -- every year since 1986. Approximately 86% of all Isuzu trucks ever sold in the US are still registered today, which speaks volumes about their legendary dependability and low cost of ownership. Since 1918, over 26 million Isuzu-built trucks have been sold in 64 countries.

Safe Harbor Statement
Statements included in this press release, which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Corporate Express and therefore involve a number of uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to industry conditions, changes in product supply, pricing and customer demand, competition, risks in integrating new businesses, currency fluctuations, and the other risks described from time to time in the Company's filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2007. As a result, the actual results of operations or financial conditions of the Company could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Shareholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.

Corporate Express US Inc.

Corporate Express US Inc.

Corporate Express provides customers with a single source of business products and services, so that they can focus their resources, energy and time on their core business. Corporate Express helps organizations to save time and maximize their productivity. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Corporate Express NV generated 2006 annual sales of EUR 6.3 billion. The Company has a widespread global distribution network spanning North America, Europe and Australia, has close to 19,000 employees, and operations in 20 countries. Corporate Express NV is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (Euronext: CXP) and in New York (NYSE: CXP). For more information, please visit http://www.CorporateExpress.com/sustainability.html.

More from Corporate Express US Inc.